2007-2013 Acura MDX (YD2) Reliability
- 421 NHTSA complaints
- 4 recalls
- 15 fire reports
- 22 crash reports
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Every complaint of any kind (brakes, airbags, electrical and the rest) whose VIN names the engine, across all model years. The score above counts only engine, transmission and drivetrain complaints, so its figures for the same engine are smaller. Fire, injury and death figures count complaints that report one.
J37A1
3.7L 6-cyl / 300 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Acura MDX Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 3 additional engine variants with limited data
J35A5
3.5L 6-cyl / 260 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
J35Y5
3.5L 6-cyl / 290 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
K24Z6
2.4L 4-cyl / 180 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Most Common MDX Problems, by Owner Complaints
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Acura MDX, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2007-2013 Acura MDX
On a used 2007-2013 Acura MDX, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (119), the engine (106) and the transmission and drivetrain (49). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-08. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 119 owner complaints on the 2007-2013 Acura MDX about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 106 owner complaints on the 2007-2013 Acura MDX about the engine.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 49 owner complaints on the 2007-2013 Acura MDX about the transmission and drivetrain.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 41 owner complaints on the 2007-2013 Acura MDX about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 28 owner complaints on the 2007-2013 Acura MDX about the body and structure.
Recalls (4)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 PILOT AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. THE VENT SHUT FLOAT (VSF) VALVE CASE IN THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY DOES NOT MEET THE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS.
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR ACURA 2010 MDX VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 7, 2009 AND NOVEMBER 14, 2009. A BOLT USED TO ATTACH AN INTERIOR TRIM PIECE TO EITHER THE DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S SIDE A-PILLAR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED DURING MANUFACTURING.
HONDA IS RECALLING 2,032 HITCH STYLE BIKE RACKS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON MY 2003-2007 AND SOME MY 2008 HONDA PILOT, RIDGELINE, AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE "HITCH" STYLE BICYCLE RACK.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2007-2013 Acura MDX reliable?
The 2007-2013 Acura MDX has a Reliability score of 7.2 out of 10: about as many oil consumption, fuel-in-oil and overheating complaints as similar midsize SUVs of the same age. A score of 7.0 means as many owner complaints as similar vehicles.
What are the most common 2007-2013 Acura MDX complaints?
Owners have filed 421 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007-2013 Acura MDX. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the engine and the transmission.
Is the 2007-2013 Acura MDX a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 421 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007-2013 Acura MDX. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007-2013 Acura MDX have?
NHTSA has 421 owner complaints on file for the 2007-2013 Acura MDX as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2007-2013 Acura MDX?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering some 2007-2013 Acura MDX vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Acura MDX?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the engine and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the MDX?
The 2013 Acura MDX received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (14.0% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 421 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-11-03.